Synonym Chooser

How is the word loyal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of loyal are constant, faithful, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is constant a more appropriate choice than loyal?

The meanings of constant and loyal largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When can faithful be used instead of loyal?

Although the words faithful and loyal have much in common, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When would resolute be a good substitute for loyal?

The synonyms resolute and loyal are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use staunch instead of loyal?

While the synonyms staunch and loyal are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

Where would steadfast be a reasonable alternative to loyal?

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loyal Enter still more classic Snow White lore: The queen instructs her loyal Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) to take Snow White to the forest (to pick apples, naturally) and kill her. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2025 Brooklyn Nine-Nine peacock Community Years: 2009-2015 Length: 6 seasons, 110 episodes Creator: Dan Harmon While 30 Rock and The Office were winning awards, the outsiders at Greendale Community College were building an incredibly loyal fan base. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 The move is one of several major changes at the airline, from the addition of premium seating to seat assignments, and prompted pushback from some loyal flyers. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025 Retribution killings between Sunnis and Alawites The revenge killings that started Friday by Sunni Muslim gunmen loyal to the government against members of Assad’s minority Alawite sect are a major blow to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the faction that led the overthrow of the former government. Sarah El Deeb, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loyal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • Seven years later, Trump remains steadfast in his support of the act, giving advocates on both sides of the aisle a sense of cautious optimism about the possibility of more reform.
    Taylor Millard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
  • In many ways, however, the tradition and Peterson’s dedication to it remain steadfast.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Musk, the world's richest person and a staunch backer of President Donald Trump, made headlines for offering money to those who agreed to sign a petition during the 2024 election.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • And if everyone involved is being honest — even his staunchest critics — Sanders has delivered in every way imaginable.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This happening in the eighth century attracted a following of monks to the village and became a must stop for faithful pilgrims.
    Valentina Di Donato, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With this deep mediocre array of right-handers, the O’s faithful will have to watch for incoming projectiles from lefty pull hitters.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Many devout Muslim women cover their faces with a niqab or burqa.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The followers of the Olsens are some of the most devout people in the world.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That versatility is, in a lot of ways, the true beauty of unicorns.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The same is true for picking up concertgoers after the show.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But he's become very dedicated to pursuing even bigger dreams.
    Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • If experts at the institution also find the drawing to be an original Renoir, the piece will be included in its official catalogue raisonné dedicated to the artist.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And there’s a kind of directness and simplicity, and everything is devoted to the action.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With stories of family chaos, missteps and her devoted dog Chunk, Chelsea hilariously tackles the world’s most absurd travel situations.
    Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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